Objective
San Juan is a card game based on the classic board game Puerto Rico. The objective of the game is to earn the most victory points by constructing buildings in the city of San Juan. Players use cards both as structures and as currency, creating a strategic dynamic.
Setup
- Card Deck: The game consists of a deck of cards that represent different buildings. Each card indicates how many victory points the building is worth and how many cards it costs to construct.
- Role Cards: There are also role cards that allow for special actions during the course of the game.
- Player Area: Each player has an area in front of them where they lay their constructed buildings.
Gameplay
- Round Structure:
- The game proceeds over multiple rounds, each divided into different phases.
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In each round, players take turns selecting a role (e.g., Builder, Trader, Producer) that every player can use, with the selecting player receiving a specific advantage.
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Round Phases:
- Role Selection: The first player selects one of the available roles. All players perform the action of the chosen role, but the player who chose it gets an additional bonus.
- Building: During this phase, players can construct buildings by discarding the required number of cards from their hands.
- Producing and Trading: Players can produce and sell goods to draw additional cards into their hands.
Strategic Considerations
- Resource Management: Since each card can be used both as a building and as currency, managing your hand strategically is crucial.
- Timing: Choosing the right roles at the right time can provide a significant advantage.
- Building Synergies: Some buildings have special abilities or grant additional points when combined with others. Planning which building to construct at which time is key.
End of the Game and Winning
The game ends when a player constructs their twelfth building or the deck is exhausted. Players then tally up the victory points of their constructed buildings. The player with the most victory points wins the game.
San Juan offers a blend of strategy, tactics, and a bit of luck through card draws. It is easy to learn but provides enough depth to entertain seasoned players.
